MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- A recent graduate of Middle Tennessee State University is missing after a small plane he was helping to pilot disappeared from radar Saturday in South America.

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A native of Lenoir City, Tenn., 23-year-old Chris Paris graduated from MTSU in May, where he was also a flight instructor for about a year.

"(He was) very diligent, always on time, that kind of guy, very upstanding person. (He was) always well-prepared, very nice guy, good instructor, good demeanor with the students," said Paul Mosey, MTSU chief flight instructor.

Paris was co-piloting a twin engine Beach King aircraft when it went missing about an hour into a flight near Georgetown, Guyana. An extensive search by British soldiers and the Guyana Defense Force is under way.

"Whenever you hear a plane go down, it hits close to home because it does show the harsh reality of the business. Sometimes things do go wrong," said Quincy Davis, MTSU flight instructor.

Paris and two others were conducting geographical mineral surveys in search of uranium mines when their aircraft went missing.

"You always have to keep good hope and faith that they find him OK and we'll get him back," said Davis.

Paris' family, friends and former co-workers said they are praying he's still alive. Paris is engaged to current MTSU student Dara Hall.

"We're just trying to be there for each other and praying and hoping for the best," said Hall.

Hall is schedule to graduate from MTSU next month. She and Paris are set to get married two days after Christmas.